The observation tower on Droop Mountain is a popular spot for visitors seeking breathtaking views. The originial tower was constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, giving visitors a view of the Little Levels and Hillsboro. From this vantage point, Confederate artillery was able to dominate Federal artillery positions below. Photo by Drew Tanner

The Battle of Droop Mountain

Drew Tanner
Staff Writer
      A driving tour of Pocahontas County's Civil War history would not be complete without a visit to Droop Mountain Battlefield, West Virginia's oldest state park and the site of the last significant Civil War battle in the Mountain State.

Historical Marker along Rt. 219 on Droop Mountain Photo by Drew Tanner

      The site is located just off U.S. Route 219, known as the Lewisburg Pike during the 19th century.
      The battle fought at Droop in 1863 was part of a larger Federal attempt to take Lewisburg and southern West Virginia from the Confederates and to push onward toward Lynchburg, Virginia, to disrupt the Virginia and Tennessee Railroad.
      By attacking this vital Confederate supply and transportation line, Federal commanders hoped to draw Confederate forces out of Tennessee. This would relieve the pressure on Union forces that were being pushed westward after a loss at Chickamauga in September.

A replica of one of the 10-pound parrot guns used during the Battle of Droop Mountain. Photo by Drew Tanner

      General William W. Averell left his Union headquarters in Beverly on November 1, 1863, with approximately 5,000 troops and orders to arrive in Lewisburg on November 7 at 2 p.m. Meanwhile, another Union column of about 2,000 soldiers, also bound for Lewisburg, departed from Charleston two days later under the command of General Alfred N. Duffie.
      Brigadier General Benjamin F. Kelley, who ordered the Union offensive, hoped the Confederate forces in Greenbrier, Pocahontas and Monroe counties would be trapped or driven out as the pincer movement of Averell and Duffie converged upon Lewisburg.
      Historic markers in front of Travelers' Repose, at the intersection of US Route 250 and County Route 3, or Old Pike Road, mark the site of the battle and note that the Confederate trenches can still be seen on the neighboring hills.
      Averell's forces worked their way southward through Pocahontas County, encountering some Confederate units along the way. The most fierce resistance came from the command of Colonel William L. Jackson, toward the southern end of the county. As his units began to engage Averell's troops, Jackson sent word of Averell's advance to General John Echols in Lewisburg on November 4. Meanwhile, Jackson's 700 troops stalled Averell's advance briefly during the morning of November 5, in Mill Point, before being forced to withdraw southward, toward Droop Mountain, under heavy Federal artillery fire. That same morning, Echols departed from Lewisburg with approximately 1,800 soldiers. Departing at 9 a.m., Echol's troops marched through the night to Droop, arriving around 9 a.m. on November 6.

Fire-arms and bayonets recovered from the battle. Photo by Drew Tanner

      As he put his forces into place, Echols felt confident in his ability to hold his position on Droop Mountain. From the top of the mountain he had an extensive view for more than five miles of the Little Levels, Hillsboro and the Federal lines. Droop Mountain itself presented a natural fortress for the Confederate position with its steep terrain and dense cover of laurel and undergrowth.
      While the mountain was virtually impenetrable, sources say Echols was unaware of an obscure road, present day Lobelia Road, that gave access to the west side of the mountain.
      One account notes that one Captain James M. McNeil of the 22nd Virginia Infantry "had grown up on Droop Mountain hunting squirrels and probably knew the terrain better than any one person in the Confederate army."
      When McNeil approached his commanding officer to inform him of the road to the west by which Union troops could flank the rebels, he was told, "when we want your advice, we'll promote you to the rank of General.
      On the morning of November 6, Averell sent three companies to probe the Confederate positions and realized a frontal attack on the mountain would be suicidal.

Two memorials mark where soldiers fell in battle during the Federal charge on the Confederates' left flank, which brought about the Union victory. Photo by Drew Tanner

      Averell quickly devised a three-prong strategy to take the mountain. After observing the Confederates on Droop from a vantage point in the Little Levels, Averell decided to send Colonel Augustus Moor and his 28th Ohio Infantry, accompanied by the 10th West Virginia and a company of the 16th Illinois Cavalry to the far west of the mountain to outflank the Confederates.
      Moor's route would take his 1,200 men up what is now Lobelia Road and up the mountain on present-day Russell Scott Road.
      Meanwhile, Averell set other units on the right and center to distract Echols from the Moor's approach from the west.
      The 14th Pennsylvania Cavalry and the Federal artillery were taken to the left to fire on the Confederate right and center, providing a diversion for Moor.
      Once Moor had made contact with the Confederate left, the 2nd, 3rd and 8th West Virginia mounted infantry regiments, fighting dismounted and under the command of Colonel John H. Oley, were to make a direct frontal assault on the Confederate center and right.

A handful of Confederate graves can be found behind the park office in Soldier's Grove. Photo by Drew Tanner

      The battle began with a "brisk artillery duel" while Federal skirmishers kept up fire against Echols' line and Moor continued his movement toward the Confederate left.
      Having the higher ground, Echols' artillery dominated the exposed Federal artillery units.
      However, around 1:45 Averell heard heavy fighting on the Confederate left and determined Moor had finally reached the Confederate flank. Averell then launched his attack on the center.
      The 2nd, 3rd and 8th West Virginia made a harrowing advance directly up the steep slope of Droop Mountain to the center of the Confederate line, at times lying on the ground to permit artillery shells to pass over top of them.
      One officer of the 8th West Virginia noted his company "had to charge up the open fall of the mountain, exposed to the grape and canister of the Rebel battery as well as the fire of the rebel sharpshooters."
      Meanwhile, Moor's soldiers were confronted with trees and dense underbrush, limiting their view to less than 30 yards. The Confederates allowed Moor's units to get in close before rising with a Rebel yell and opening fire.

The park's museum is housed in the only remaining cabin of three built by the CCC. Inside, visitors will find a variety of artifacts recovered from the battle as well as paintings and portraits of soldiers and the battle. Photo by Drew Tanner

      Moor acted quickly to avoid being overwhelmed and ordered his regiment to hit the ground and fire by file. The apparent disappearance of the regiment and increased fire through the underbrush checked the Confederate charge.
      As Moor pressed in, Confederate officers were forced to move troops from the center and right as the left wavered and threatened to collapse. The continued pressure from Union forces on all fronts eventually forced a chaotic collapse of the Confederate lines. Averell pursued the retreating Confederates to Renick.
      After stopping for two hours to regroup, eat and rest in Frankford, Echols took his troops toward Sinking Creek in Giles County. They narrowly missed Duffie's advance on Lewisburg by two hours.
      The total casualties at Droop Mountain included 119 Federal and 275 Confederates killed, wounded and missing.
      "This battle, in which brothers and neighbors fought under opposing flags, represented the Civil War in its truest and most tragic form... While one brother fought against the Confederates on the left flank, another with the 22nd Virginia defended the right," notes a booklet on the battle, which is available at the state park.
      Today, Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park encompasses 287 acres of the former Confederate position on the mountain, and the terrain looks much as it did in 1863. Founded as a state park in 1927 through the efforts of John D. Sutton, of the West Virginia House of Delegates and a veteran of the battle, Droop Mountain is West Virginia's first and oldest state park. The 259th Company of the Civilian Conservation Corps made some of the first improvements to the park in the 1930s.
      The park currently features a museum with several artifacts found at the park and surrounding Confederate and Union camps, approximately four miles of trails near historic sites and a cranberry bog, two picnic areas, two children's play areas and a lookout tower near the site of the 2nd, 3rd and 8th West Virginia's advance up the mountain. From the tower, visitors can get the same sweeping view of Hillsboro and the Little Levels the Confederates had in 1863.
      Some remnants of the battle on the mountain include a series of trenches and a handful of Confederate graves in Soldier's Grove.
      Mike Smith, the park's superintendentt, is usually present when the park is open and happily shares with visitors a wealth of knowledge about the park and its history, flora, fauna and, of course, the Battle of Droop Mountain. His office is located near the museum and Soldier's Grove.

Civil War buffs provide great photo oppurtunities during reenactments

      A highly detailed account of the Battle of Droop Mountain can be found in Terry Lowry's book, Last Sleep: The Battle of Droop Mountain, November 6, 1863.
      The park is located on U.S. Route 219, 15 miles south of Marlinton and 27 miles north of Lewisburg.

Droop Mountain Battlefield Civil War Live Reenactment
      The bi-annual event will take place the second weekend in October, and involves 250 - 300 reenactors and more than 1000 spectators. Please call the park for further details, 304-653-4254.
      Droop Mountain Battlefield is an official Civil War Discovery Trail site. The trail links more than 300 sites in 16 states to inspire and to teach the story of the Civil War and its haunting impact on America. The Trail, an initiative of the Civil War Trust, allows visitors to explore battlefields, historic homes, railroad stations, cemeteries, parks and other destinations that bring history to life.
      For more information on the Civil War Discovery Trail and other programs of The Civil War Trust, call 1-800-CWTRUST.  

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The park's boardwalk gives visitors a chance to view the massive bolders from above and below. Photo by Drew Tanner

Take a walk in the park

Beartown State Park offers a surreal experience

Drew Tanner
Staff Writer
      On the eastern summit of Droop Mountain lies an area that offers visitors a rare sense of quiet and stirs the imagination.
      Beartown State Park is a natural area encompassing 107 acres on Droop Mountain. The park was established in 1970 with financial assistance from the Nature Conservancy and a donation from Mrs. Edwin G. Polan, in memory of her son Ronald K. Neal, who lost his life during military service in Vietnam.

Elephant ear lichens ­ One sign notes that some of these delicate, centuries-old lichens were likely here when Columbus discovered the Americas Photo by Drew Tanner

      In its 34 years, this state park has seen minimal development, preserving the natural attractions of the area. Basic facilities have been added to the area, such as a boardwalk to provide easy access and interpretive signs along the boardwalk that provide visitors with insights into the geology and ecology of the park.
      Beartown is known for its unusual and awe-inspiring rock formations, which are comprised of Droop, or Pottsville, Sandstone formed during the Pennsylvanian age. Greenbrier Series Limestone and Mauch Chunk Shaly Limestone are also found in the park.
      The boardwalk leads visitors through the labyrinth of massive, mossy boulders. The rocks, overhanging cliffs, and deep clefts in the rocks lend the park an other-worldly feel.
      Ferns, rhododendron, and other shade-loving plants of the Allegheny Highlands grow profusely along Beartown's weather-worn sandstone avenues Delicate, centuries-old Elephant Ear lichens cling to many of the boulders.

Pits and depressions in this boulder play with the imagination, giving the rock a 'face.' Photo by Drew Tanner

      "There is little doubt that many of these plants were growing here when Columbus discovered America," notes one interpretive sign.

Some of the park's flora ­ like this tree, tenaciously clinging to the edge of a boulder--seem to defy gravity. Photo by Drew Tanner

      Who could believe something as simple as a lichen could give a person a humbling sense of place in time and history?
      Another specimen of botanical interest are the park's Rock Cap ferns. The plants can be found growing on the sides of rocks and require moist soil rich in humus but poor in nutrients, according to another interpretive sign.
      Pocketing the face of the boulders are hundreds of eroded pits and depressions, ranging from just a few inches across to others "large enough for a person to climb into and sit down," in the words of yet another interpretive marker.
      The name Beartown, according to the park brochure, was chosen because of local claims that the many cave-like openings in the rocks "made ideal winter dens for the black bears."

Lighthing struck this tree not once, but twice. Even with its top snapped off, it lived for some time after, according to the interpretive sign. Photo by Drew Tanner

The numerous deep, narrow crevasses were formed among the large boulders in a somewhat regular criss-cross pattern and resemble the streets of a small town, the brochure continues.
      In spite of hosting approximately 25,000 visitors each year, the park offers a sense of solitude found in few places so easily accessible.
      It's not unusual to be the park's only visitor at a given moment. Pausing on the boardwalk, a visitor might hear the small sounds of chirping birds, the breeze through the large hemlocks or water dripping on the rocks.
      It's a place that reminds visitors to take pause from the hustle and bustle of life.
      "Hidden within the rocks is the beginning of a story that really has no ending... the formation of rocks and their gradual destruction by the forces of nature; only to be incorporated into new rocks later," notes one final sign along the boardwalk.
      The park is open daily from April to October, and may be seen during the winter months by contacting Mike Smith, the superintendent of nearby Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park. Access to the park is free of charge. Beartown State Park is located 7 miles southwest of Hillsboro, off U.S. Route 219. Access to the park is via County Route 219/11 (Beartown Road). If approaching from Lewisburg, take Rt. 219 north, continuing onward up the mountain to 219/11.
      The park is near Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park and within a short drive of Watoga State Park as well.

 

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It's a musical month at the Opera House

Barbara Elliott
Contributing Writer
      The Pocahontas County Opera House schedule is packed with outstanding musical performances in October. Tickets to all of these performances are $5 per person and will be sold only at the door. Here are the coming attractions.

• October 2 ­ Kate Long and Robin Kessinger
        Kate Long and Robin Kessinger are two of Appalachia's most compelling performers. When you pair Kate with Robin, a blending of musicianship, storytelling and love of this region fuse into a magical evening of entertainment. This dynamic duo of West Virginia talent will perform at the Opera House on Saturday, October 2, at 7:30 p.m.
  

  Kate likes to weave genres, telling stories during music performances.

  Guitar wizard Robin Kessinger, a national flatpick champion.

        Kate likes to weave genres, telling stories during music performances. Her witty, moving songs include IBMA Song of the Year, "Who'll Watch the Homeplace" and "McNamara's Tear." She has won major national awards for fiction, songwriting, radio features and video editing.
        Guitar wizard Robin Kessinger, a national flatpick champion, is an exceptionally soulful, creative player. He also teaches guitar workshops and coordinates Guitar Week at the Augusta Heritage Workshops and teaches at Pocahontas County's own Allegheny Echoes Workshops.
        In addition to their public performances, Kate and Robin will be conducting school programs during their visit to Pocahontas County. Don't miss this chance to see two of West Virginia's finest talents. Joe Dobbs, host of West Virginia Public Radio's "Music from the Mountains," says, "It doesn't get much better than either Robin or Kate. Together, they should knock your socks off!"

  Join us as Marshall University's 12 O'Clock Jazz Ensemble fills the Opera House with beautiful melodies from bygone days.

• October 22 ­ Marshall University's 12 O'Clock Jazz Ensemble
        Lovers of jazz and big band music will have a treat in store! Marshall University's 12 O'Clock Jazz Ensemble takes the A Train (or more likely, a chartered bus) to the Opera House on Friday, October 22. The Jazz Ensemble program at Marshall provides students opportunities to perform in both "Big Band" and combo settings. The 12 O'Clock Ensemble is open to all students by audition, and it performs throughout the year in various concert settings. The band hosts the annual MU Jazz Festival, and has traveled to nationally recognized festivals such as Downbeat Magazine-Universal Studio's Jazz Fest in Orlando and The Elmhurst Jazz Festival.
        Take a sentimental journey with these swinging young musicians as they fill the Opera House with beautiful melodies from bygone days.

   

• October 23 ­ The Cantrells
        Al and Emily Cantrell will cast a magical spell with their airy, joyful acoustic songs as they make their Opera House debut Saturday, October 23, at 7:30 p.m. Emily uses her voice as an instrument on soaring vocals, bringing to mind a country Joni Mitchell. Al plays off her Martin guitar with spirited fiddling and a dazzling mandolin technique.
  

  Al and Emily Cantrell cast a magical spell

        The duo puts a pop spin on acoustic folk and bluegrass music, with occasional detours into Celtic, western swing and traditional American tunes. Robert Redford handpicked them to play old-time music on-screen in his hit movie A River Runs Through It.
        The Cantrells have been featured on Mountain Stage, Riders Radio Theater, Folk Sampler, E-Town and River City Folk, as well as numerous other nationally-syndicated radio programs. Their three critically acclaimed albums are on radio playlists worldwide and include the talents of Bela Fleck, Jerry Douglas, Tim O'Brien and Riders in the Sky.
        Al and Emily have been hailed by critics and fellow musicians for keeping the folk tradition alive and fresh in American music. Don't miss this great opportunity to see them in an intimate acoustic setting. You can also catch their screen appearance in A River Runs Through It at the Opera House on Thursday evening, October 14, at 7:30 p.m. Admission is free.

        The Pocahontas County Opera House is located at 818 Third Avenue in Marlinton. Opera House performances are informal, family-friendly and open to all. Persons with disabilities are encouraged to attend; special accommodations can be arranged upon request. For further information, call 800-336-7009, or (304) 799-4636.
        These concerts are part of the 2004-05 Performance Series sponsored by the Pocahontas County Opera House Foundation with financial assistance through a grant from the West Virginia Division of Culture and History and the National Endowment for the Arts, with approval from the West Virginia Commission on the Arts. Financial support is also provided by Pocahontas County Drama, Fairs and Festivals.
       

   

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